A "cult" needs to be defined in order to be classified and understood, but it may be more easily described than defined. Indeed, there are differences of opinion among scholars as to the proper definition of a "cult" and which religious groups should be so classified. Though not all the following characterizations may be applicable to every religious group labeled a "cult," together they form a general picture of one.

(1) A cult differs radically from what are conceived to be the fundamental beliefs of the mainstream of religious thought.

(2) A cult is centered around a specific authority figure and his teachings or interpretations.

(3) A cult looks to some extra-Biblical source of authority, perhaps a set of writings it regards as equally authoritative and inspired as the Bible, for guidance. "The Book of Mormon" for example.

(4) A cult conceives of itself as being the one true faith and the exclusive possessor of the truth.

(5) A cult is close-minded to the extent that it is uninterested in hearing what outsiders have to say or even unwilling to admit the possibility of being instructed by them.

(6) A cult is possessed with a missionary zeal to propagate its message.

(7) A cult enforces a radical alteration in lifestyle which may involve subordination of every aspect of the individual's life to the control of the cult.

(8) A cult possesses a personal antagonism toward outsiders.

(9) A cult has a goal that is physical or earthly in nature, relating to things that are near, visible, and tangible.

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about the fantasy and delusion of religion (Cult). Once I was outside my religous (Cult) belief bubble it became very clear to me. Now when I read or listen to Christian dogma, particularly when thy discuss the scriptures or gospels. It is like listening to people discussing some sort of D&D fantasy. I have come to the conclusion that religion(s) are nothing more than delusional fantasy cults. Every one of them.

I just can't figure out what happens in a persons brain to allow the delusion to take hold. Can anybody shed some light on this for me? I have read about the God MEME and think that makes a lot of sense. A self replicating mental virus, cunning, baffling and evolving.

Given the bordom of life at times, I expect that people can 'live through' the bible narrative. The bible can be a ready made plot for lives, that offers heroics, an evil nemisis, a fairly large scope of action and context, and a version of virtue that might be ok, if they don't think too deeply about it. Some people take on the narrative or beliefs about the heroic scientist, fireman, or doctor, others the 'follower' of Jesus. Our culture has lots of these, I expect that many of them kill in time..